Bonjour, my darlings! Welcome back to the Pink Tutu blog, your weekly dose of all things tulle and twirls. This week, we're whisking ourselves back in time to a glorious 4th of May in the year 1869.
I’ve just had the most magical trip to Paris – and by magical, I mean an absolute whirlwind of fashion, dance, and yes, tutus! As always, the City of Lights doesn't disappoint when it comes to style, so naturally, I was eager to see how those fabulous French ballerinas were embracing the tutu.
Firstly, let's get a little perspective, darlings! In 1869, tutus weren’t as widely embraced as they are now, but that doesn’t mean there weren't exquisite examples of ballet beauty floating across the stage! It was a period of evolution in dance design. You see, the tutu's origins go all the way back to the early 1800s, and the Romantics truly embraced them – long, billowing, and very graceful!
But things were starting to shift in 1869. Ballet, with its incredible artistry, began to draw audiences worldwide, especially those yearning for a night of escape and elegance. This surge of interest naturally led to experimentation and the rise of "the Romantic tutu", you know the type with its layers and layers of delicate tulle that create that gorgeous billowing shape!
Imagine stepping into the Palais Garnier, its ornate decor whispering secrets of bygone eras, and witnessing dancers like Marie Taglioni and Fanny Cerrito gracing the stage in their graceful tulle masterpieces! The atmosphere was pure enchantment!
There were still two major styles of the ballet tutu in the 1860s. First, you had the tutu romantique that I mentioned earlier - long, romantic and flowing. The tutu classique was also developing, which was shorter, tighter and very much highlighting the movement and artistry of the legs and feet, and believe me, they could show off some serious skills!
One of my favourite bits of fashion history is this period: you'll notice a move away from the heavy, long and voluminous skirts of Victorian times toward a look that was lighter, more fluid and allowed movement. The tutu classique perfectly reflects that shift and it was particularly popular amongst dancers like Emma Livry. Imagine her elegant form as she effortlessly glided across the stage in that classic, yet still romantic, design. A visual delight!
Speaking of delights, my dearest fellow ballet enthusiasts, can we take a moment to discuss the magic of a Parisian ballet performance? There's something about the ambience - the elegant setting, the expectant murmurs, and the exquisite music… You can't help but feel transported to another world, a world where elegance and grace reign supreme. And just to add to the wonder of the day, May 4th in 1869, saw a fascinating production of 'Giselle' at the very same Palais Garnier! Now imagine yourself whisked away by the ethereal storyline and watching the dancers take flight with a symphony of light, grace and the most breathtaking tulle costumes! The tutu romantique in that ballet is a spectacle of dreamy tulle and it takes the audience on an enchanting journey from the rustic village of the first act, through the beautiful moonlight scenes of the forest and right into the final haunting ballet of the Wilis!
Ah, such a breathtaking vision, especially for the dancers like Camille Saint-Léon, a true maestro of the stage. He was absolutely renowned for his elegance and technique, bringing a theatrical, almost operatic dimension to his work - the ideal person to lead audiences on the enchanting adventure that is 'Giselle'.
You know what else was thrilling? The train journey there! There is something magical about watching the landscape sweep by, and it gave me the most amazing opportunity to sketch my latest tutu ideas! So, here are some of my designs I was inspired by for our future tutus…
First:
Let’s try and capture that ethereal spirit of 'Giselle' with a beautifully flowing and delicate design that captures the movement and light of that amazing dance! Perhaps a tulle design that swirls like a delicate whisper? We could use lighter shades of pink – perhaps a blush or pastel?
Secondly:
Now, let’s be a little bolder and create a tutu that reflects the grace and power of Emma Livry and her dancing! Imagine a classic tutu classique that’s structured and designed to reveal the most intricate and elegant dance steps! And to add a touch of la vie en rose we could perhaps incorporate a subtle swirl of pink ribbons? Just a little touch of femininity!
This journey to 1869 has been a dream come true for a tutu enthusiast like me. Just thinking about those designs inspires me to create something truly magical! Now, if you’ll excuse me, darlings, I’ve got some tutus to design! I’ll be posting more on our adventures next week, be sure to check in.
Until then, keep dancing!
Emma
Don’t forget to keep your tutus twirling and your hearts filled with grace, and until next week – adieu!
[Pink Tutu link to new post next week]
